GADGETHEAD Issue 3.03
UK
£4.95
www.gadgetheadmag.com
Inspired By Your Success
EXPLORE. ENJOY.
G A D G E T H E A D
MAXIA 4
THE NEW GENERATION OF THE LEGEND GIVI’S most popular top case, totally redesigned. Stylish as never before, versatile and as strong as ever. • ABS cover with a new design • Internally strengthened outer edge • Double cover made from plastic and aluminium • New outer band • New optical reflectors with small reflector on the outer band • Capacity: 56 lt
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Contents Tula Toddler Carrier• Ifrogz Impulse Wireless Earbuds Page 10 Luminette Light Therapy Glasses• Skullcandy Crusher Wireless Headphones• ZIIP Nano Skincare Device• Jabra Elite Sport• Tanita BC-545N FitScan Segmental Body Composition Monitor Page 20 TYME Iron• Kitchen Aid Artisan 4-Slot Toaster• Series 3 Sportube• Zikto Walk
GADGETHEAD
Page 30 Warbonnet Blackbird 1.7 XLC plus Winter Topcover and Superfly• Riut R10 Backpack• Gelish On the Go LED Light• HyperX Cloud Stinger• Baby Quasar Clear Rayz For Him
Senior Writer Emma Hilling emmahilling@littlegatepublishing.com
Page 40 Flir C2 Thermal Imaging Camera• Finalmouse Scream One• Foreo Luna 2 For Men• Dog Tracker Nano• Flote Orbit
Sales Director Alex Smith alexsmith@littlegatepublishing.com Junior Copy Editor Alice Instone-Brewer alice@littlegatepublishing.com Junior Copy Editor Steve Weller steveweller@littlegatepublishing.com Lead Designer Alina Sandu studio@littlegatepublishing.com Publisher Stephen Warman stevewarman@littlegatepublishing.com
Page 50 HANWAG Tatra Wide GTX Boots• Atlas Wristband 2• FOBO Tire• i.am+ Buttons• Catit Flower Fountain Page 60 Caliper Timepiece View A10• AeroBed Ultra Divan• Hana Baby Wrap• Ergobaby Four Position 360 Baby Carrier and Infant Insert• Foreo ISSA Toothbrush and ISSA Hybrid Brush Head Page 70 Fitbit Charge 2• Kymera Magic Wand• iFavine iSommelier Pro• Eno DoubleNest LED Hammock• Skull Tidy by Suck UK Page 80 Triwa Gleam Klinga Watch• Root7 Himalayan Salt Shots• LIFX LED Lightbulb• Musto Snug Primaloft Jacket• Lezyne Deca 1500 XXL• Ruit R25 backpack
Tula Toddler Carrier We are happy to be reviewing our second product from the award-winning industry leader Baby Tula. This time, we will be looking at a baby carrier suitable for the second stage of childhood: the toddler carrier.
G A D G E T H E A D
Baby Tula meet and exceed safety standards and norms, and are a business member of the Baby Carrier Industry Alliance (BCIA). The Toddler Carrier features high quality Duraflex buckles, with dualadjustment straps that allow you to obtain the perfect fit. It is hand-made from 100% Öko-Tex standard 100 certified canvas, and is compact and ultralight at only 2lbs (I put on more than that just from looking at a cake!) The Tula toddler carrier can be used from roughly 18 months, when your child is a minimum of 25 pounds and 32 inches tall, and can
carry on being used all the way up to 4+ years old. As with the Tula Baby Carrier, the Tula Toddler Carrier is available in a variety of prints and colours with over 80 designs to choose from - you will be spoilt for choice. The removable, regulated hood helps to provide protection from the sun and light rain, and the whole thing can be chucked in the wash when the inevitable happens and little hands and mouths get it covered in yuk. The Carrier comes with thick supportive shoulder padding and a contouring hip belt for your comfort, with a large front pocket for your convenience.
To look after your little passenger, there is extra padding around the leg-openings, and the carrier promotes an ergonomic M-position seat which supports the optimal development for a toddler’s body. Just like the Baby Carrier, the Toddler Carrier can be worn on either the front or back of the body – however, just like the Baby Carrier, your child can only face inwards when worn on the front, which is a shame. Altogether, though, this is another great product from Tula: strong, reliable, comfortable AND fashionable, it will be there to support you and your toddler when their little legs get tired especially when you are out on that day trip to the zoo and they will do everything but walk! RRP €135
www.babytula.eu Pros Comfortable Lightweight Machine washable Can be worn on the front or back Over 80 designs to choose from Fully adjustable Suitable from around 18 months to 4+ years
Ifrogz Impulse Wireless Earbuds G A D G E T H E A D
The Ifrogz Impulse Wireless Earbuds feature customdesigned chambers with reflective acoustics, an advanced audio technology that apparently formulates sound based on the fundamentals of human hearing. This is combined with 11mm drivers that aim to provide a premium audio experience. The Impulse comes in rather unimpressive packaging, but you should never judge a book by its cover. Packaging quickly thrown aside, you are left with earbuds available in black & silver or white & rose gold, and a series of silicone attachments in various sizes, to help you find the perfect fit for your ears. First things first, these aren’t fully wireless headphones - they are attached to each other by a rather
thin and flimsy-feeling cable with a control bar in the middle. The control bar features three buttons – two that can be used to adjust volume with a quick press, or skip tracks with a longer one, and a middle button that will play or pause with a quick press, and turn the headphones on and off with a longer one. The control panel isn’t massively responsive, and it seems hit and miss as to how long you need to hold the button down to skip
a track. It also replies with an annoying beep every time you press the button - just turn the volume up, don’t interrupt my tunes. As for the sound quality, these headphones are ok; they produce clear mid and high tones but lack punch in the bass, which leaves the overall sound a bit on the flat side. I do like the magnetic clip on the back of the control panel – it is handy for clipping on to the back of you collar without damaging your clothes, and you can let the headphones hang around your neck when not in use. The Impulse use Bluetooth to connect to your device
but it has a weak range, cutting out when I walked out of the room. They may technically be wireless, but this weak range doesn’t exactly free you up from your device unless you just want to dance about the room. As much as I’ve be left underwhelmed by the Impulse earbuds, they do win points when it comes to price, combined with their light weight and their sweat resistant. I could see these coming to the gym with me, as I keep my phone on me when I work out and I wouldn’t be too upset if I left them in the locker room. To conclude you get what you pay for with the Ifrogz Impulse earbuds: ok sound, ok quality, poor connectivity. RRP £34.99
http://bit.ly/2kjwnMY Pros Sweat-proof Magnetic clip Low cost Bluetooth connection Lightweight
Cons Poor build quality Annoying beeping Low connectivity range Lacks bass Fiddly control pad Five hour battery life
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G A D G E T H E A D
Luminette Light Therapy Glasses Year after year, I suffer from what my mum used to call the “post-Christmas blues” but is commonly referred to as SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder). As a result, I am always interested in any product that claims to be able to help. I try to use my lightbox around this time of the year to keep those low and tired feelings away, but it is quite large and requires plugging in at the mains, which means if I am not sat at my desk first thing in the morning, I miss that important early dose recommended for my symptoms. If I am away from my desk all day, I often go without any light therapy at all, so I was excited about the Luminette Light Therapy Glasses if for nothing other than their portability. The Luminette Glasses are beautifully packaged - they come with a high quality, hard protective case, with a zip pocket inside to store the charger
and cable. They also come with a microfiber cloth, neck cord and instruction booklet. The glasses themselves are solid - they feel durable, but are light
at the same time, and they feel comfortable to wear, with an adjustable nose guard to help you get the correct position. Luminette Light Glasses produce a white light enhanced with blue light, peaking at 468 nm, which has been scientifically proven as the most effective wavelength for simulating our body’s positive responses to sunlight. The optical device allows the light beam to enter your eye naturally, just like the sun, without dazzling your eyes or obscuring
https://www.myluminette.com/en Pros Portable
Rechargeable battery
Elegant
Three brightness settings
Hard case, microfiber cloth, neck cord and USB cable included
Timer function
Comfortable
As effective as a 10,000 Lux lamp
UV-Free
Ideal for SAD, sleep phase disorders, jet-lag or shift work
your vision. This means you can carry on your routine whilst wearing them. One five-hour battery charge will get you three to six hours of light time, and the LED will flash when you turn the glasses off to indicate how much battery life is left. You can choose between three settings: 500, 1000 and 1500 Lux. Sessions
of use are recommended to last between 20-45 mins depending on the setting - there is even a handy timer feature to let you know when you are done. I love everything about these glasses: they look awesome, they’re beautifully made, they have loads of handy features and best of all, they so simple to use. Pop them on, brush your teeth, work at your computer or simply sit down in front of the TV with a cuppa, you’re free to get on with your day. RRP £199.99
Skullcandy Crusher Wireless Headphones
G A D G E T H E A D
When it comes to headphones, I would usually swerve past Skullcandy, having been burnt by their lower range in-ear headphones about five years ago. Since then, I was addiment that Skullcandy were cool-looking but poorly made. Therefore, I was immediately taken aback by the Skullcandy Crusher Wireless Headphones. The headphones are beautifully packaged, although I knew they might try to lure me in with good looks -it was the build quality that I was impressed with. The Skullcandy Crushers come in a high-quality travel bag (it feels water resistant, although we couldn’t find confirmation of this) with a, inside pocket for your cables and a soft anti-scratch lining. The headphones themselves fold up for compact storage,
featuring memory foam ear pads and a padded headband. They feel light, comfortable and snug on, and the overear design does a lot to cancel out external noise. The Skullcandy Crusher Wireless Headphones connect to any device via Bluetooth, which is easy enough to pair up, and they come with an impressive 40 hour battery life. There are large buttons on the right ear cup that allow you to play with the volume and take phone calls through the built-in microphone this is a handy feature
but I felt self-conscious talking on the phone when I couldn’t hear myself due to the sealed ear pads. The Crushers feature Stereo Haptic Bass, delivered to each side of the head for true left and right variable bass. The custom-tuned audio drivers claim to deliver “bass you can feel”, which you certainly can when it’s turned up full whack. I’m not sure I appreciate the vibrating head effect but the bass is rich, thick and powerful. The Crushers also feature an adjustable bass slider, which is the only part of the headphones I don’t like, as it feels stiff and a bit cheap compared to the rest of the headset. These headphones
could appeal to bass-heads, but some may dislike the way the bass dominates the mid and high tones, and if you drop the bass down to zero it lacks any power at all. Overall, these headphones are perfect for bass nuts, well made and with good connectivity, but I am not 100% sure they are worth the asking price. RRP ÂŁ129.99
http://www.skullcandy.co.uk Pros
Cons
Well built, classic design
Bass can be overpowering
Heavy bass and ok mid-high range
Sound leakage
Comfortable
Ear pads don’t swivel
Ear pads block out ambient noise
Heavy bass makes ear pads vibrate (a love it/hate it feature)
Good connectivity Easily identifiable buttons 40-hour battery life
ZIIP Nano Skincare Device
G A D G E T H E A D
The ZIIP Nano is a handheld electrical skincare device that uses small, energetic vibrations that are pushed into the skin through positively and negatively charged discs on the bottom of the device. ZIIP claims to improve skin through it’s many treatments such as reducing blemishes, wrinkles and puffiness, or sculpting areas of your face. The ZIIP offers six treatments in total: Engergize, Sensitive Energize, Vitaleyes, Instant Gratification, Total Clearing and Men’s Treatment (I think this treatment plays heavy metal and smells like beer so it doesn’t harm your masculinity). These treatments are only available through ZIIP’s supporting iPhone/ iPad app (connecting to the device via
Bluetooth). Hopefully the ZIIP will eventually be compatible with Android, but we will have to wait and see. The ZIIP is easy to use. It comes with a USB charger but only a US plug (a small UK adaptor would obviously be more useful), so I charged it off my phone charger. After charging, I applied the included Golden Conductor Gel to my skin, and then administered the treatment with the the device. The device should only ever be sued where the conductor gel is applied, which looks
and feels like the type of gel they use during ultrasound exams, but smells lovely and wipes off easily. When activating the device, you feel a tingling feeling a bit like pins and needles - it’s not at all painful, but feels a bit strange at first. Due to the metal conductors, it is quite cold against the skin, which feels refreshing in itself. The ZIIP will automatically provide the right currant for the right amount of time, and will vibrate and flash to let you know when it is time to move it to another position. Every movement is prompted making the device so simple to use. Depending on the treatment you select,
ZIIP recommends you use this 1-3 times a week to see results. Personally, I saw results instantly, especially under my eyes, and my skin looked brighter and plumper. However, after about 15 minutes it had returned to its normal look. After a few weeks of use I hadn’t noticed any spectacular changes, but I must admit I did look forward to using it, as the treatments felt nice. ZIIP reassured me the results are much more noticeable when used consistently over time. However, for the price the ZIIP costs (over £100 for a replacement gel) and the fact that you will miss out on all the extra treatments if you don’t have an iOS device, I think a lot of people could be put off. RRP $495
http://ziipbeauty.com/ Pros Six treatments available (through iOS) Golden Conductor Gel feels and smell luxurious Automatically detects correct currant and time for skin Could help improve the appearance of skin Treatments feel enjoyable
Cons Expensive - both the device and replacement gel Only compatible with iOS No UK plug adaptor
Jabra Elite Sport G A D G E T H E A D
Jabra set expectations high with their description of the Sport Elite headphone by stating, “With 16 years of Bluetooth experience and a unique expertise in sound quality, the Jabra Elite Sport wireless earbuds guarantee superior sound and call quality.” Let’s take a look and see if they can live up to the hype. Starting with the battery life, you can expect up to three hours of music or talk time from one charge. With an additional two full charges from the on-the-go charging case, you are looking at a total nine hours of playtime. The Elite Sport will connect over Bluetooth 4.1 and is compatible with all devices with this function, including Android, iOS smartphone and Windows. The headphones are completely wireless and are waterproof up to one meter, so you
don’t have to worry about getting caught in the rain. In fact, Jabra offers a threeyear limited warranty against failure from sweat damage, so there is no excuse not to push extra hard when exercising. The Elite Sport feature bespoke bassenriched speakers with 20 Hz to 20 kHz frequency range and employ passive noise cancellation and HearThrough technology that channels external ambient noise into the earbuds for extra awareness of your
surroundings. So, how did we find the sound quality? They kick out an impressive noise: punchy bass that isn’t overpowering with clearly defined mid and high tones. The connectivity is strong and over-all they produce a pleasing audio experience. However, these little earbuds don’t just help you work out by playing decent tunes to sweat to - they also work with the free Jabra Sport Life app, which provides you with real-time guidance through in-ear audio coaching. Heart rate tracking allows you to monitor a target pace or heart rate zone during a run, and the device can also count reps or just help you to keep track of your
overall performance, all topped off with advice on recovery to avoid overtraining. I quickly got tired of this feature, but that’s because I prefer not to over examine my workout and simply enjoy them instead, but it could be a brilliant feature for people starting out or looking to analyse the workout in more detail. The Elite Sport headphones have four built-in microphones for clear phone calls that filter out background noise and make sure that only your voice is heard in every environment, making it easier than ever to order my takeaway in a noisy gym whilst thrashing it out on the cross-trainer (or is that just me?) One last detail regarding the wearability of these headphones - when I first put them in I was worried that they might pop out, especially as I jump about or get sweaty. Now that I have used them a few times, I don’t think twice about losing them. The Jabra Elite Sport are easily the best wireless sport focused headphones we have tried out to date. No, they are not cheap, but in this case I believe that you get what you pay for: comfort, great sound and a host of useful features to improve your workout. RRP £229.99
http://bit.ly/2bQbKRH Pros Good sound quality Comfortable Wireless Long battery life Compact protective case doubles as on-the-go charger Handsfree controls In-ear heart rate monitor Jabra Sport Life app Three-year extended warranty for sweat-related damage Waterproof up to one metre Passive noise cancellation HearThrough external noise Bluetooth connectivity
G A D G E T H E A D
Tanita BC-545N FitScan Segmental Body Composition Monitor The Tanita FitScan may look like an ordinary set of scales, but it is actually so much more. It is, in fact, a Body Composition Monitor that can give you feedback on the effectiveness of any current fitness or health program you are following.
The Tanita FitScan features eight electrode Body Composition Monitors - six on the footpad and two on the retractable handle. It can display 20 readings; ten whole body readings and ten segmental reading (arms, legs and trunk area), so you can see exactly how your body is responding to specific training and lifestyle changes. You can track body fat and
muscle mass trends, and receive information like a recommended calorie intake and an indication as to your currant hydration levels, which you can then use to adjust your exercise and diet accordingly. The FitScan features a large, easy-to-read LCD display, a large on/ off button that can be used with a gentle poke of your big toe and a retractable cord that
ensures the handset fits snugly into the main unit when not in use. The BC-545N needs to be set up with the date and time, and you must create a user profile with your name, height and age etc. (it will accommodate up to five separate users and all results are stored up to one year.) It is easy enough get up and running, and even more simple to operate. What aren’t so obvious are the results; a series of numbers and symbols will flash in front of you, but the manual will walk you through what means what. It’s interesting
to see your weight, fat, muscle mass and more broken down into torso (or trunk as it’s displayed), arms and legs. I could see that my right leg was stronger than my left, my BMI was healthy but I had a pudge around my middle, which all appears to be accurate when compared to my Personal Trainer information. The Tanita BC-545N FitScan Segmental Body Composition Monitor is an interesting piece of equipment that will accurately provide you with lots of detailed, reliableseeming information to allow you to create and adapt your fitness plan accordingly. RRP £160
http://bit.ly/2lGXbaE Pros Provides results for weight, fat %, hydration, BMI, muscle mass, bone mass, visceral fat level, BMR & metabolic age Measures arms/legs/torso separately 20 measurements in total (full-body and segmental) Monitors physique changes and body balance Large display Recommends calorie intake Easy to use
Cons Build quality Information lost when batteries are removed
G A D G E T H E A D
Sur f 3 Inspired by mountain bike technology Why choose between a four-wheel urban pushchair or a three-wheel trekking pushchair. With Surf 3 you can have both, uniquely adaptable it can switch between city and trekking modes with ease. Whether you’re in the town or country the unique suspension ensures a smooth ride.
DriveSt
Direct Attac USB 3.0 4 wheels for urban use
silvercrossbaby.com
Trekking wheel for multi terrain use
DriveStation™ Quad Direct Attached Storage USB 3.0
HD-QHU3/R5
Huge Capacity Direct Attached Storage Huge Capacity Direct Attached Storage
Buffalo Technology’s DriveStation™ Quad (HD-QHU3 series) is a 4-bay Direct Attached Storage device perfect for demanding SMB. The HD-QHU3 comes fully populated with high-reliability Buffalo Technology’s DriveStation™ WD Red™ drives in total capacities of up to 24TB.
Quad (HD-QHU3 series) is a 4-bay
™ The DriveStation Quad is RAID-enabled customised Direct Attached Storage deviceforperfect redundancy and capacity depending on your specific needs for demanding SMB. The HD-QHU3 and also comes with 10 licenses of NovaStor NovaBACKUP comes Essentials fully populated Business software. with high-
reliability WD Red™ drives in total
The DriveStation™ Quad features the capacity, redundancy, capacities of required up to 24TB. and performance for any demanding user – the perfect solution for backing up large servers, multimedia files, or databases. The HD-QHU3 series is sold fully populated with WD Red drives and total capacities of 8, 12, 16, or 24TB. HD-QHU3/R5
Features and Benefits • 4 bay Direct Attached Storage fully populated with WD Red™ hard drives - Available with 8, 12, 16, or 24TB capacities
• RAID-enabled for performance and reliability - Supports RAID 0/1/5/10/Spanning/JBOD
• Perfect for Server, PC, and/or Database Backup
Features and Benefits
- Also includes 10 free licenses of NovaStor NovaBackup Business Essentials
• Power Saving – Auto Power feature turns on and off automatically with your computer
4-bay Direct Attached Storage •• SuperSpeed connectivity with USB 3.0
fully populated with WD Red™ hard drives with 8, 12, 16, or 24TB capacities • RAID-enabled for performance and reliability - Supports RAID 0/1/5/10/Spanning/JBOD • Perfect for ™Server, PC, and/or Database Backup - Also includes 10 free licenses of NovaStor NovaBACKUP® Business Essentials • Power Saving – Auto Power feature turns on and off automatically with your computer ched Storage • SuperSpeed connectivity with USB 3.0 • 3 year warranty - Available • 3 year warranty
tation Quad
TYME Iron G A D G E T H E A D
The TYME Iron is a hair styling tool that allows you to either curl or straighten your hair by changing the position or the rotation of the irons. The heated plates are gold-plated titanium and look beautiful in fact, the entire iron is very attractive and appears high quality (even salon quality), but that where my praise for the TYME Iron will end. The TYME Iron heats up to 400° Fahrenheit / 204° Celsius, but unfortunately there is no way of adjusting the temperature. This isn’t great for fine or medium hair, which should only be styled at temperatures up to 300° Fahrenheit / 148° Celsius to avoid damage, so if your hair is fine or medium, make sure you use a heat protecting spray. The first thing I did when I removed the irons from the protective sleeve was nip the skin between my thumb and index
finger as the irons sprung open…ouch! The second thing that annoyed me was the plug - with a 45mm solid plastic casing around the cable just under the plug, it wouldn’t fit into two of my wall sockets, as they are set close to the floor. In the end I had to use an extension cable: I understand that this may just be an annoying thing about my home’s mains sockets, but I have not experienced this problem before with any of my other appliances in four years
of living here. There are instructional videos that are a must-watch to try to get to grips with these irons. I found them difficult to use and failed to get a decent curl, no matter how many times I tried or the different methods I used. I had a better experience at straightening - my hair ended up straight, at least, but not without annoying little lines from where I first closed the irons before sliding them down my hair (the spring is stiff, so you need to squeeze quite hard to close them.) A friend of mine with coarser hair had a go with them as well - she had better luck than me and managed to straighten her hair beautifully without any
marks, but she struggled just as much to get it to curl. Lastly, the iron comes with a heat-proof sleeve, which the online video claims will allow you to “unplug the iron and throw it in your suitcase or your draw at home.” Well, I unplugged it, put it in the sleeve and laid it on my lap, and after about five minutes it was so warm that I had to move it. I would be worried it would damage something in my suitcase at this temperature. On the plus side, the TYME Iron heats up very quickly, but for my hair type (fine/thin), they simply didn’t work. I will be sticking to my old straighteners in the future. RRP £184.50
www.tymestyle.co.uk Pros Beautiful design Heats up quickly
Cons Difficult to use No temperature adjustment Protective sleeve gets very warm after use
G A D G E T H E A D
KitchenAid Artisan 4-Slot Toaster The KitchenAid Artisan 4-slot toaster truly is a beauty to behold. Even if you don’t eat bread, it is almost worth getting one just to sit it on your kitchen work top so it can look stunning. We received the Artisan in Empire Red, possibly the reddest red out there, but it is also available in Candy Apple (a darker red) or a subtle Medallion Silver. At 20.5x34.8x30.4cm, this toaster will take up a good deal of space on your worktop or in your cupboard. Made from die-cast aluminium, it is
also heavy at 8.5kg, but this material makes the Artisan feel high-end and gives me faith in its durability. I decided to throw myself in at the deep end with this toaster by making cheese toasties, something I have missed terribly since my sandwich toaster died last year during a cleaning incident (it
turns out that sevenyear-old melted cheese was the only thing holding it together). The Artisan provides a sandwich rack, which makes it possible to toast sandwiches without them dripping and messing up the inside of the toaster. As there is only one rack included, you can only toast one sandwich, bagel or roll at a time, but separate racks can be purchased for the additional cost of ÂŁ25. (I think KitchenAid could
have thrown in an extra rack, given that you have already paid so much for the toaster.) My cheese toasties were toasted to perfection, and the extra-large slots make light work of even the fullest sandwiches. Toasties aside, the Artisan also features some cool tech for regular toast. Firstly, you don’t have to press any levers to lower the toast - the toaster recognises when there is bread in the slot and automatically lowers it. Secondly, if you happen to be out of the room when your toast pops, the toaster will automatically lower it back down after 45 seconds and keep it warm for up to three minutes. There are seven shade settings to choose from, with an LED countdown timer and
two pairs of slots that work independently from each for extra functionality. All in all, we found the Kitchen Aid Artisan 4-Slot Toaster a dream to work with; the automatic sensors make it feel like something from the future, it keeps your worktop clean and will become a reliable friend for all your toasting needs. RRP £289
http://bit.ly/2n9GBgV Pros Beautiful design High quality construction Four extra-large slots Automatically lowers bread ‘Keep warm’ function Drip free toasting rack Seven shade settings Doesn’t leak crumbs
Cons Heavy Large £25 for additional toasting rack
G A D G E T H E A D
Series 3 Sportube The Series 3 by Sportube is their largest and most versatile case. The idea behind the product is that when you go on trips with family and friends, you can all consolidate your gear into the one Sportube. It was originally designed to hold two snowboards with boots and bindings, but it will hold three sets of skis or a snowboard and skis, spear fishing gear - all sorts, really! The Series 3 is made from a highdensity polyethylene (the same material the bottom of skis and snowboards are made from) that protects your equipment whether you are traveling by plane, train, car or even shipping your equipment. The case feels tough, but at the same time is surprisingly lightweight
at only 14lbs. The dimensions are 368mm wide, 200mm deep and 183cm long, but the magic here is that just under half of the case collapses in on itself, thus reducing the length down to 107cm and making it more compact for storage at home or whilst on holiday. This also means that when the Sportube is fully
loaded, you can fit it to the size of your gear, making sure it is only ever as big as it needs to be. The Series 3 is available in black or a funky bright orange (‘Blaze’). There are two wheels at the back end to make it easier to move during travel. The issue we had with the case was that the wheels are quite small and deeply set, meaning that if the floor isn’t completely flat, the bottom of the case catches on the ground and curb. This could easily be improved by larger wheels, which may also
take some of the pressure off your arm when it drops off the curb, as currently the wheels aren’t very shock resistant. That said, there is padding at either end of the case to protect your gear from bashing about, and there are straps inside to help keep things in place. The straps do seem a bit cheap, however, and I’m not convinced they would be particularly durable over repeated use. The Series 3 Sportube is a tough and durable travel case. I hope to see improvements in the wheels in the next edition, but as it is, it is still a worthwhile investment. RRP $229.95
http://bit.ly/2lH2LKt Pros Adjustable length Durable Two colours available Lightweight Large capacity
Cons Wheels on the small side Straps inside seem cheap
G A D G E T H E A D
Zikto Walk The Zikto Walk is not just an activity tracker but also a posture coach. These days, with so much of our lives revolving around a smartphone, many of us, myself included, walk around hunched over our devices. This was never more prevalent than when Pokémon Go went live and people began casually walking into traffic and off cliffs whilst glued to their phones. Aside from the obvious dangers of this bad habit, there is also the potential of causing irreversible complications: for example, ‘Text Neck’ (yes you read that right) can put intensive strain on your neck muscles, which can lead to permanent injury. As well as protecting you from ‘Text Neck’, the Zikto Walk also claims to bring your attention to hunched and slow walking, and instead encourages active walking. As well as monitoring your posture, the Zikto Walk also calculates steps
taken, calories burnt, distance travelled and your sleep patterns, all through a sensor on your wrist. It will also provide notifications for texts and calls, as well as showing you the time at a flick of the wrist, though it comes with a handy snooze
feature to shut off these notifications for two hours at a time if you want to work out or concentrate without distraction. The Zikto Walk features a slim design and can be customised with hipster/grungy wristbands as well as simple leather straps. I think the best thing about the Zikto Walk is the slick design: it is discrete and modern, although the graphics are a bit basic and reminiscent of a Tamagotchi. However, apart from that I love the look. You will get three to five days’ life from one two-hour charge.
Both the sleep monitor and step counter are fairly accurate, but the accuracy of measuring posture from the wrist just isn’t good enough. It got irritating being told off for holding my phone when I wasn’t, and I often got away with slouching on purpose just to see if it would notice. As a basic activity tracker, the Zikto Walk is ok, but it isn’t priced as a basic activity tracker. It promises so much more, but fails to deliver. If you prize style over function, maybe it’s worth the money, but if you are lured in by the posture function I would keep looking elsewhere. RRP $149
www.zikto.com Pros Slim profile Modern design Up to five day battery life Water resistant Sleep function
Cons Basic graphics Limited functions Inaccurate posture monitoring
Warbonnet Blackbird 1.7 XLC plus Winter Topcover and Superfly
G A D G E T H E A D
The Blackbird XLC is the big brother version of the Blackbird. It features a choice of suspension, built-in bug netting and a shelf/footbox, just like its counterpart, but with the addition of about 12o extra space in length. Its body is roughly 132”x63” with an overall length of 111”, which provides you with about 11 inches of tarp overlap at each end of the hammock when using an 11-foot tarp. All this extra space means the XLC is suitable for a user up to height of 7’0”. The netting is fully removable, and our version came with the optional winter Topcover, which can be used instead of the netting in winter for added protection against the elements
(it will raise the temperature in the hammock to about 15oC whilst remaining breathable, to prevent the whole thing turning into a sweatbox.) The XLC is also treated with a DWR waterresistant treatment that causes moisture like morning dew to bean off, but isn’t effective as protection against rain. The XLC is available with a single layer or double layer body: the double layer will increase the weight capacity and is recommended for
anybody using an extra pad lining on the bottom for added insulation. We were pleased to see that the XLC includes the clever storage shelf and footbox of the Blackbird: this handy feature is about two square feet in size and ideal for items you don’t want to leave on the ground, such as your shoes, water bottle and valuables. The footbox allows you to fully stretch out in the hammock without restriction, making it feel more like a natural sleeping experience. The XLC is quick and easy to set up and even quicker to pull down and stuff away in its sack for
http://bit.ly/2m61xEz compact storage, with lots of accessories to choose from at the checkout. You can personalise your kit to your specific needs with unrivalled comfort - the Warbonnet Blackbird 1.7 XLC is easily one of the best hammocks out there. RRP $275
Pros Comfortable Quick to assemble and dissemble Footbox and shelf Height capacity - 7ft, Weight capacity - 250lb Removeable built-in bug netting Choice of suspension, adjustable webbing suspension or whoopies with tree straps Minimum environmental impact
G A D G E T H E A D
Riut R10 Backpack In 2014, commuter Sarah Giblin set about designing a revolutionary type of backpack more suitable for public transport. With the help of over 1000 backers from her Kickstarter campaign, the first prototype was produced. From there, she has gone on to release four different varieties of Riut bags (pronounced ‘riot’). The Riut R10, released last year, is a 10l backpack suitable for a 15” laptop with lots of pockets for everything else. However, that is not the special thing about the Riut bags - what really sets them apart from the rest is that all of the access points to this bag lay flat against your back. Why hasn’t this been done before? When we have been away travelling, we have often been
advised to wear our backpacks on our fronts to keep our belongings safe, especially in the big cities. However, the only time I have ever had something nicked from my person, it has been in my home city. It doesn’t really matter where you are - if someone that way inclined thinks they can get into your backpack without you noticing, they will try, and this what I love about the Riut. Search away, my
thieving friend - you won’t find a single pocket accessible to you. You may think that having all the pockets and zips against your back is uncomfortable, but the Riut has thought of that and provides lots of padding in all the right places. At the base of the R10 is a medium sized D pocket with an organiser inside, which can be accessed without removing the bag, making it ideal for your wallet, train tickets or your phone. Further up, there is a padded strap to allow you to attach the backpack to your suitcase handle. At the top of the bag is
the zip access point: inside is the laptop compartment, two more thick padded organiser pockets and a good sized netted pocket, as well as some pen holders and little pockets lining the sides. Lastly there is one more pocket that sits at the back of your neck. Don’t let the R10 size deceive you - this thing has more storage pockets than Mary Poppins’ bag. It is comfortable and ever so practical: a brilliant example of innovative design. RRP £89
https://www.riut.co.uk/ Pros Secure Comfortable Adjustable shoulder and sternum (width and height) straps Lots of organised storage Airline carry-on compatible Holds 15” laptop Waterproof Suitcase attachment handle
Cons Straps get in the way when you try to access the zips Only available in navy or black
G A D G E T H E A D
Gelish On the Go LED Light Gelish are a company that allows you to create beautiful gel nails from the comfort of your own home. Gels, for those not in the know, are something in between nail polish and false nails, they can be used to extend the nail or simply create a high polish colourful finish that should last you a couple of weeks without cracking peeling or chipping. The Gelish On the Go is a LED light box that produces 4watts of light to speed up the process of setting your nails, meaning you can get on with your day quick without the risk of smudging or damaging that perfect smooth look. The LED is super lightweight, making it nice and portable, sadly there isn’t a protective case included other than the original box it
comes in. It can cure up to 4 nails at a time and is best used by placing your four fingers in first and your thumb on its own after, the LED is switched on by a button on the top which automatically switches off after 45seconds; long enough to cure the nails fully. The LED needs mains power to work and it comes with the power lead but no
plug, most of us have a USB wall plug from one gadget or another but I always think it’s a bit tight when a product doesn’t even supply you with the only thing you need to get it to work. Gelish Gel nail vanishes are high quality gels with loads of colours to play with and a beautiful finish, the LED light is the opposite of this, yes it works but it feels and looks cheap which isn’t what I would expect from this brand. Thankfully, it comes with a one year warranty but I wouldn’t expect a lot of action from it once that year is up. RRP $34.99
http://www.gelishminis.com/ Pros 45 second timer
Cons
Cures nails in less than a minute
Doesn’t come with a plug
compact
Can’t fit entire hand in it Feels cheaply made No carry case Difficult to get feet in and out due to size
HyperX Cloud Stinger G A D G E T H E A D
The HyperX Cloud Stinger is a lightweight headset for gamers, at 275 grams, it’s super comfortable on your head and neck for long periods of time. Each ear cups rotates in a 90-degree angle for a precise fit and use HyperX signature memory foam padding that helps reduce external noise and increases comfort. The Stingers 50mm directional drivers position sound directly into the ear for gaminggrade sound quality, there is an intuitive volume control on headset ear cup, the microphone has a cool swivel-to-mute noise-cancellation and is multi-platform compatible. The Stinger has the look and feel of a much more expensive headset although the ear cups have a light plastic feel which makes me think they wouldn’t withstand being thrown about too much so try to bare that
in mind before hurling them onto the desk after losing too many times. The sound quality is equally surprising for a budget range headset, with clear and punchy tones you will feel completely immersed in your gaming experience. The microphone has its good and bad points, as a microphone it performs reasonably well and the noise swivel to mute feature is a nice touch, for voice recordings it provides good vocals without too much background
interference however, the recordings do have a little distortion. It will easily fit even the largest of heads with its adjustable steel sliders, the cable maybe a little on the short side for some gamers at 1.3m but it comes with a flimsy 1.7m extension Y cable. These headphones aren’t perfect but for the price range they are good value for money, they are so comfortable, they don’t get too hot or cause fatigue even after racking up some serious gaming hours. RRP £49.99
https://www.hyperxgaming.com/us/headsets/stinger/hx-hscs Pros Cheap Comfortable Lightweight Reasonable sound quality Swivel to mute feature
Cons Feels fragile Microphone recordings distortion
Baby Quasar Clear Rayz For Him G A D G E T H E A D
The Clear Rayz by Baby Quasar For Him is a lightbased skin care treatment that claims to reduce inflammation and fight acne. As with any male skin care product it is available in two masculine approved colours, Stormy Weather (slate/blue) or Titanium (grey), we received the Titanium version that comes with a grey carry case, relevant cables and a pair of protective goggles.
The Clear Rayz works by using two wavelengths of light, red and blue, that are directed at the problem areas, the blue light on one side hosts 42 blue LED lights, that help kill the acne bacteria whilst on the reverse side there are 40 Red LED lights that reduce inflammatory acne leaving you (after a minimum of 8weeks use) with a clearer, calmer complexion. The treatment is gentle enough for all skin types and shuts off automatically after the appropriate amount of time, 5minutes for blue and 7.5minutes for red. Baby Quasar is so confident of the effectiveness of the Clear Rayz they
offer a 90day money back guarantee, that gives you 12 weeks to return it if you are still not seeing any results and there is even a five year “No Questions” Warranty included. I didn’t have high expectations for the device as it seemed too good to be true, a chemical free way of fighting spots that can be used over and over after one initial payment. Not wanting to risk the chance of growing a bread by using a product “for him” I handed it over to a test subject who regularly had out breaks across his forehead, after a week of use he reported back that he has less spots and his skin was less red, leaving me surprised and him over the moon, he also noticed that his frown lines appeared reduced after
using the Clear Rayz. This light therapy treatment seems to really influence the improvement of the appearance of the skin, awesome! I think the finish could be improved for the price you pay, it feels cheap and I
would worry about how well it would stand up as a travel companion. Overall, if you have skin problems and are prepared to shell out a bit the Clear Rayz may just be able to help. RRP $249
http://bit.ly/2mELFvV Pros Red and blue LED light treatment Automatically switches off Easy to use Can improve the appearance of skin Chemical free treatment
Cons Cheaply made No hard-protective case included
Flir C2 Thermal Imaging Camera G A D G E T H E A D
The FLIR C2 is the world’s first full-featured, pocketsized thermal camera, designed for a wide range of building and electrical/mechanical applications, it can be used to find hidden hotspots, energy waste, structural defects, plumbing clogs, HVAC issues, and other problems. The Flir C2 is ready straight out of the box, no complicated set up procedure, just charge it up and away you go, it’s lightweight (0.29lbs) and slim profile (4.9 x 3.1 x 0.94 in) makes it easy to carry about your person. The Flir C2 features a fully radiometric image that lets you measure any point on the image in post analysis on scenes between -10°C and 150°C and the built-in LED spotlight can be used as a torch or for a photo flash. The 3” touch screen is intuitive, with auto orientation for easy viewing and autocalibration to ensure
accurate readings; the touch screen is responsive and easy to use even in the largest and clumsiest of hands. The Flir C2 can be used to stream videos via FLIR Tools and includes professional reporting software for Mac or PC, there are a wide range of options to help you get the most detailed information possible. When you take a photo the Flir C2 will save both the thermal version and the regular to allow you to compare the two and see clearly where the thermal image was taken. Another cool feature is the MSX that
combines both thermal and photographic images to give you a detailed thermal image in real time, rather than having to go off a blurry but colourful thermal image you can accurately locate problem areas. You can choose which colour pallet you would like to work with and the internal memory will store up to 500 images, 1.5hours charge time will get you 2 hours operating time. All in all, the Flir C2 is a brilliant product packed with a lot of thought-out features. Its solid construction makes it suitable for the rough and tough world it needs to perform in and can be customised to meet your specific needs. Portable, practical and excellent value for money. RRP £560
www.flir.co.uk/c2 Pros Radiometric Spotlight Streaming videos Auto calibration 3� touch screen
Cons Short battery life
Finalmouse Scream One
G A D G E T H E A D
In the world of gaming there is much contention in regards to the best hardware available. Seriously, I’ve seen arguments over it so when a product comes along and declares itself to be, “the best eSports mouse in the world”, (this is the equivalent of a brand claiming to be THE best football boots in the world) we just had to test it out. Would the Finalmouse Scream One edition live up to its claims? Created for Adil “Scream” Benrlitom (a renowned Belgian gamer), our first impressions of the Scream are that for the “best eSport mouse in the world”, it came in a rather unimpressive packaging with minimal branding and information about the product on the box. The Scream One is a medium-Large, ambidextrous mouse, it does have additional buttons but only on the left-hand side, it is
nice and light at only 85 grams and it uses a pmw3360 eSport sensor by Pixart. With a higher framerate, integrated illumination the Scream One has enhanced tracking ability and over a period of one year the 3360 implementations for the Scream One have been fine-tuned to optimise every facet of motion reporting, providing you with 1:1 tracking that is seamlessly smooth. The firmware for the
Scream Ones 3360/NXP chipset, developed by Finalmouse, ensures the mouse performs to the best of its ability in regards to its <1ms click latency, sensor delay and polling rates, it features consistent, prompt responsiveness for both clicks and motion. It’s a tactile product with comfortable contouring throughout, the left and right button can be activated as far back as the middle of the mouse and it can be used for most hand types. We did find the clicking noises a little loud and the scroll wheel was too smooth for our preference. The braided cord is quite stiff compared to softer rubberised cord and
it creates some unwanted friction during use but hopefully this may soften up over time. Ultimately, is the Finalmouse Scream One the best eSports mouse in the world? The answer is it could be up there but with the current price tag we believe you could get similar quality for less money, a lot of what you are paying for here is the gimmicky “Scream” branding which, unless it makes you play as well as him, isn’t worth it. Having said that, the sensor is undeniably good. We were left divided in the office over this one, it has many good qualities but is let down by easily correctable points and a greedy price tag, we will be keeping a close eye to see what Finalmouse brings out in the future. RRP £69.99
http://www.finalmouse.com/shop.php Pros Excellent pmw3360 eSports sensor Lightweight Ambidextrous <1ms click latency
Cons Price Braided cable Scroll wheel too smooth
G A D G E T H E A D
Foreo Luna 2 For Men It always makes me grin when you see “mens” skin care products branded especially for men, for some reason men and women are encouraged to believe there is a major difference between female and male skin, like women’s is delicate and soft whilst men possess tough and rugged body sacks. With such a lingering stigma on men’s skin care the industry likes to protect their products from accidently decreasing masculinity points by producing products that are labelled exclusively “for men” and are only made in colours from a monochrome pallet, thankfully the Foreo Luna 2 For Men ticks both those boxes so there needn’t be a fear suddenly ovulating by picking up a feminine product by mistake. The Luna 2 is a 3-in1 Sonic Face Brush, Pre-Shaving & AntiAging Device, it utilizes an enhanced T-Sonic facial-cleansing and anti-aging system, it provides an effective
cleanse that preps your skin for the smoothest shave ever. The Luna 2 should be used twice a day for 2 minutes along with your normal cleanser, one side removes dead skin
cells, unclogs pores of 99.5% of dirt and oil, this preps skin for a closer, comfortable shave that also helps prevent razor burn. The back of the Luna 2 has a ridged texture, aiming to reverse anti-aging by using lower-frequency pulsations to help reduce fine lines and wrinkles, as well as leaving the skin looking firm and youthful. Our test subject used the Luna 2 for 3 weeks and reported back, the results were that he didn’t notice any obvious improvement in his skins appearance but he did say that
his skin felt softer and cleaner. He didn’t seem to think it made too much difference to his shaving results but will continue to use the Luna 2 just for the feel-good factor, one issue that he mentioned was the on/off button was a bit awkward and required a firm touch to get it started. Whether Luna 2 For Men will change the appearance of your skin remains to be seen but it is a pleasant way to cleanse and wake up your face in the morning and if it does manage to retain any hint of youth it’s a bonus. RRP £169
http://bit.ly/29MILhd Pros 8,000 T-Sonic pulsations per minute at 2X the power Bacteria resistant silicone Could prevent razor burn 100% waterproof 450 uses from one charge 12 adjustable settings
Cons On/off button is stiff Expensive
G A D G E T H E A D
Dog Tracker Nano As technology is increasingly finding its way to improve every aspect of our lives it isn’t surprising that people are turning to it to keep their loved ones safe, I’m not talking about those small screaming humans that always seem to be sat near me when I go for lunch (I must stop having lunch with my sister and her 3year old) but the four-legged barking kind. In a world of smart phones and smart homes you can now upgrade your dog to become a smart dog, I’m not saying your furry friend will suddenly be able to complete The Times crossword but you will be able to monitor your pet’s activity, especially useful if your doggo is a bit of a fatty, and track their location in real-time. The Dog Tracker Nano claims
to be the UK’s most effective live GPS dog tracker and activity monitor, it features solid waterproof casing to 1 metre Rivers, suitable for lakes, rain and muddy puddles and a rechargeable battery that lasts up to 5 days between charges but averages around 3-4 days for more active dogs. It weighs under 70 grams so even the smallest dogs shouldn’t be bothered
by the weight but it is rather bulky which has the potential to annoy the more precious of pooches when first installed. You can track your dogs every step with unlimited range, you can see where they are wherever there is detailed satellite and street maps, the tracker features a view cam and compass directions to even help find your dog in the dark. You can set up virtual safety zones with audible alerts that will notify you when you dog moves out of the safe zone, for example your garden. The Dog Tracker Nano is easy to install
and set up, it screws into place so you don’t have to worry about it coming off as you dog bounds around the park, the app works well, it isn’t perfect with a few glitches but it’s getting better with every update. The only other thing that annoyed me is the awkwardness of the charger, it’s a fiddly clip that was a pain in the backside to get on, there has got to be a simpler way. Aside from that the Dog Tracker Nano is a functional piece of tech, that gives you piece of mind of your dog’s whereabouts as well as an insight into their level of activity. RRP £145 including one year subscription.
https://store.dogtrackernano.com/ Pros Real-time GPS stream Unlimited range Detailed satellite and street maps View cam and compass directions Multiple dogs and multiple users Weatherproof
Cons Fiddly charger
Flote Orbit
G A D G E T H E A D
I remember when I bought my first case for my kindle, I was so excited that you could flip the case over and use it as a stand I thought it was the coolest thing ever, however it was delicate and if you happened to sneeze in that general direction it would collapse. Since then tablets have become a firm fixture in our all our lives, being used for everything from watching films at home to taking orders in restaurants, checking in at hotels and everyday use in the work place. The biggest issue with tablets is that if you need to use it with both hands you need to crane over it on a flat surface, enter the Flote Orbit, possibly the sturdiest tablet stand out there. The Flote Orbit enables you to use your tablet hands-free without any risk of it toppling over, its adjustable spring mount is suitable for iPads, tablets
and e-readers, virtually all tablets on the market in fact, including the new iPad PRO, with or without a case. It’s ergonomic design fits together easily and an incredibly strong magnetic ball joint enables you to orient your tablet in virtually any position due to the strength of the magnet although it does require a firm hand to move it in to position but this is a fair price to pay as when you use it, it isn’t going to move about even with the most vigorous of screen tapping. The clean design fits beautifully into any environment and its all-metal components insure a lifetime of use, it can be used with its round weighted base or a versatile, low-profile reversible clamp is also available for attaching to tables, desks and countertops. When screwing the clamp the large screw makes a hideous creaky noise that
sets your teeth on edge and combined with the whopping 7kg weight of the thing means if you need to move your tablet around a lot rather than set it up in one place this could be
something to consider. Aside from that, the Flote Orbit is a robust yet stylish stand that won’t let you down where ever you choose to use it. RRP $129.99
http://www.floteyourtablet.com/flote-orbit/ Pros Ergonomic design Incredibly sturdy 3month payment plan option Can be used with clamp or stand Silicone pads protect work surfaces Magnetic Ball joint allows virtually any position Fits most tablets, case included
Cons Very heavy (7kg) Screw makes a horrible noise
HANWAG Tatra Wide GTX Boots G A D G E T H E A D
The HANWAG Tatra Wide GTX Boot is specifically designed for people with a wider forefoot who may find traditional walking boots uncomfortable and irritating. The Tatra Wide has an extra wide toebox, with more room for the forefoot but without just widening the entire shoe like some wide fit boots do, this ensures a more anatomical and proportional fit around the heel. The Tatra features a rubber heel and toe cap and a VibramÂŽ sole with a deep profile, designed especially by Hanwag, allows the foot to roll exceptionally smoothly with a shock absorbing heel. The upper is made from high-quality cowhide from the Heinen Tannery in Germany, the Tanning is carried out in accordance with strict environmental guidelines and using
CO2 neutral energy. On the inside, you have a graded memory insole for superior shape retention, with patented ultra-lightweight microporous expanded PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) membrane which helps regulate temperature by being breathable whilst at the same time ensuring durable waterproofing. The Tatra Wide GTX has a super soft padded leather cuff that hugs
and supports the ankle whilst you walk. There are fewer seams inside the boot to reduce the risk of pressure points and potential blisters, Hanwag uses a special technique, which makes it possible to reduce the number of seams. The advanced last construction cemented construction (double stitched construction) means that when the boots are tired out you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to start over, instead you can re-sole these as many times as you like. The Tatra Wide GTX features an Easy Roller system which means there are ball bearings in the lace hooks that aim to make it easier to pull the laces tighter for a more
precise fit. I can’t say I noticed too much difference between using these and the traditional hooks but they look cool if nothing else. We had the Brown version of the Tatra Wide GTX which looked rugged and handsome with a smooth matt finish, but looks aren’t everything and comfort is what counts when you are exploring the great outdoors. We found the Tatra Wide GTX comfortable straight out of the box, they are slightly heavier than I would like but they are dry, breathable and have good tractioneven on wet terrain. All in all, good value for money. RRP £200
http://www.hanwag.com/tatra-wide-gtxr Pros Wider toebox Vibram Sole Gore-Tex lining Shock absorbing heel Resole option comfortable Available in size 6-13
Cons Heavy 844g per Boot (size 9 mens)
Atlas Wristband 2
G A D G E T H E A D
Just when you think there can’t possibly be any room in the fitness market for anymore devices along comes the Atlas Wristband 2. So, what does the Atlas Wristband 2 have which it’s competitors doesn’t? To start with, according to the website, when you buy an Atlas you’re buying an ever-evolving ecosystem, the Atlas app will notify you when there are new exercises, expanded metrics and additional features available. The
Atlas Wristband 2 will automatically log your workouts, offering a selection of workouts to help you tone up, slim down, add bulk, build endurance and more. On first impressions, the Wristband 2 looks and feels great, it comes sharply
packaged in either a bold black and yellow or black and green design, the soft silicone strap is comfortable (even on tiny wrists like mine) and the whole thing fastens with a good old fashioned buckle. It looks different to most wearables as the tracker sits off centre in the wristband but I like this look and I think it could improve the accuracy as this is possibly the most
accurate fitness tracker we have had. The Atlas can track over 100 different exercises, has guided workouts and Atlas coaching to help you get the best out of your workout, you can then analyse how you did on the dash board (compatible with iOS or android) and can be linked with Apple HealthKit or GoogleFit account to track daily step count, daily caloric burn and more. The Wristband 2 is waterproof meaning you can use it whilst you swim and don’t have to take it off when you jump in the shower, the heart rate is accurate for an optical monitor, it can’t compete with a chest strap but we have yet to find a fitness monitor that can. The Wristband 2 can be used as a standalone device without your phone, this is useful if your phone is in a
locker but it isn’t that easy to navigate due to the size of the screen. The Atlas Wristband 2 is a good fitness tracker for people who mix up their exercise and work out a lot, you will get detailed feedback on your
performance as well as ways to improve, so far, we are impressed with the Atlas Wristband 2 and with its ability to listen to feedback and constant updates I can only see it getting better. RRP $199
https://www.atlaswearables.com/wristband2/ Pros Automatic workout detection Over 100+ exercises Accurate heart rate monitor Compatible with GoogleFit and Apple HealthKit Wireless syncing Swim and shower safe Comfortable
Cons Difficult to navigate on device Short battery life
FOBO Tire G A D G E T H E A D
FOBO tire is the world’s first Bluetooth Smart TPMS (tire pressure monitor system) that uses Bluetooth 4.0 to connect directly to your Android and iOS device, it features an intelligent In-Car monitoring unit that works on its own or simultaneously with your smartphone to provide you with information on all 4 tires (up to 350 kPa 50 psi). The FOBO Tire will work even when the car isn’t running, ensuring your tires stay properly inflated, it comes with 2xAA batteries for the In-Car unit and CR2032 batteries for the sensors which should last you up to two years, making the FOBO completely wireless. You can monitor up to 20 cars to the app on one device but obviously, you will need multiple FOBO kits which, at just over £140, can be a costly affair, the sensors can be shared with up to 100 users making it ideal for hapless car
owners who can’t inflate their own tires. The sensors are easy to install, they simply screw on to the valves (took us about 5 minutes with the use of the apps onscreen instructions). Once installed, each FOBO Tire sensor is linked to your own personal cloud account which means if stolen they cannot be reused, ha ha thieves you are out of luck but sadly so are you; as you would have to shell out for another kit. Equally, if one happens to fall off whilst driving the FOBO will let you know,
but then you will have to cough up £28 for a replacement, after 3 weeks however we haven’t had any issues of missing sensors and they seem fairly stuck on there so I wouldn’t worry too much. The kit even comes with antitheft nut and a small wrench to mechanically lock the sensors from being stolen. The FOBO tire will provide you with the latest tire pressure, temperature and battery readings. If you are anything like me and just completely forget to look after your car’s tires then this is a great little device to help keep your cars performance optimised, ensuring a safer trip whenever you are out on the road. RRP £140
https://my-fobo.com/Product/FOBOTIRE Pros Bluetooth connectivity Monitor pressure and temperature in real time Works even when the ignition is off Monitor up to 20 cars from one smartphone Share data to up to 100 devices Easy to install Battery included
Cons Expensive
i.am+ Buttons G A D G E T H E A D
When it comes to gadgets Will.i.am is out spoken about being a fan, sadly when it comes to producing his own the end results often look like something you could find in a bargain bin in a pound store. When I heard that he had produced his own set of headphones my mind started imagining all the ways he could make them tacky and impractical, I was almost disappointed when I first saw them as I liked the design. The Buttons are marketed as a fashion piece rather than good headphone, the packaging comes with a small magazine with a bunch of people I’m meant to recognise looking incredibly serious and moody whilst wearing their buttons (the must be
listening to Radiohead) which all comes across as forced and cheesy. In the blurb, there is a lot of mention on the word dope, these headphones are “for the dope” which is about as cool as hearing your mum say her new kitchen curtains are “on fleek”. Once you scrape all the packaging away you are left with some cool looking headphones, I know not everyone will agree and they certainly don’t remind me of vinyl records or whatever the intention was but they seem
solid with a clean finish (as you would expect for the ridiculous price). However, these could be made gold from the lost city of Atlantis and they would still be worthless if they don’t sound good. I found the sound quality clear and crisp, I expected the bass to be stronger coming from a Hip hop and R&B artist but its good enough for most tracks. The big issue with these headphones is they just aren’t future proof, there is no noise cancellation system, they still rely on a cable to pass the signal between ears and the battery life is a pitiful 6 hours. They would have been
great if they were released about 10years ago but today people expect much more for their money. The two earbuds magnetically connect around the neck when not in use, I think the idea is that they look so stylish it could be mistaken for jewellery but sadly they look as much like jewellery as your nans glasses hanging around her neck. I was left in two minds about these headphones, I was impressed by the sound quality, but they donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have enough modern features to make them worth that massive price tag, if you are looking for a fashion statement rather than quality headphones then they might be worth a look. RRP $199.95
https://iamplus.com/buttons/ Pros Striking design 8 colours available Good sound quality Lots of earbuds to get the perfect fit Magnet connects around the neck Solid construction
Cons Over priced Limited functions No noise cancellation Not fully wireless Short battery life Heavy
Catit Flower Fountain G A D G E T H E A D
Anyone who owns a cat knows how difficult it is to get them to drink water, our cats seem obsessed with water, I can’t have a shower or a bath without a furry audience but getting them to drink it is a different story. Recently, one of our cats has been diagnosed with reoccurring cystitis which means medication for the foreseeable future, not a problem, however the vet also asked us to try and get more water into his system and recommended a cat water fountain. I didn’t have high expectations of our cat using one but I figured it was worth a go so we quickly got our hands on the Catit Flower Fountain. It was much bigger than I expected, it holds up to 3Litres but its compact and only 7” in diameter, I set it all
up, turned it on and was impressed by how quiet it was. It was so quiet in fact my partner didn’t even notice it was in the room until I pointed it out, only after a week did it became more noticeable with a gentle hum but nothing annoying. There are 3 ways to use the water fountain, remove the entire flower and have a gentle flow over a large flat area, place the white flower in to create a bubbling over the top or clip the yellow centre to produce 6 flowing streams. It was the third option which proved
the most popular with my cats, one of them is always drawn to running water and sat next the fountain for 2hours like a proud owner of a brandnew sports car, but it took two days before I caught either of them using it. They now both use it regularly, trotting over to it after they have their biscuits. The fountain is designed with the cats features in mind, ensuring the cat has access to the water without having their whiskers get wet or touch the side and the constant running water taps into their instinct to drink from streams; at 7.5” it’s the perfect height for your moggy and they even made sure the box it came in can be used as a toy.
The entire thing is easy to dissemble for cleaning and the filter helps keep out all the cat hairs and dust that might get into the pump. My only dislike is the flower design, I worry that its cutesy design will attract my nephew’s attention as it looks like a toy, I would prefer a simpler design, maybe just all in white but that’s my personal preference. As a drinking fountain for my cats I can’t fault it, I am so happy to see my poorly boy drinking regularly as it will have such a positive impact on his health, excellent value for money. RRP £25
http://bit.ly/2m38bL2 Pros Appropriate height Whisker stress free Compact Quiet Easy to clean 3 Litre 3 drinking options Good value for money GOT MY CATS DRINKING REGULARLY!
G A D G E T H E A D
Caliper Timepiece View A10 Caliper launched their first watch, the View, in March 2016 after a successful Kickstarter campaign that managed to raise over 250% of their original goal, today they produce 8 different varieties of the View watch that all are self-winding by using the wearers body movements. We were lucky enough to get our hands on the View A10, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s design is based on technical instruments from the mid-20th century and features a black case and band milled from 316L Steel, with black ion plating chemically bonded to the steal and a sapphire
scratch resistant glass face and back which reveals the moving components of the interior. The View A10 is water resistant up to 100m, comes with a 3year warranty and up to 40 hours running time. First impressions were that the watch has
a tactile weight to it, at 116g you have got your moneyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s worth without it over compensating and it feels just heavy enough to remind you there is something on your wrist without being uncomfortable. Being able to watch all the components spinning and flicking around on the inside is strangely satisfying but it also gives you a quick reference as to whether its working or not. Although it will keep winding itself up whilst
https://calipertimepieces.com/ Pros
Cons
Self-winding (and manual) Comfortable weight
Case diameter 38mm could be too small for larger wrists
Glass face and back exposes interior
Clasp on our sample kept popping open
Waterproof up to 100m
No screw driver included to adjust strap
Scratch resistant glass you move, if you take it off at night you may find it dead in the morning, in this case you just need to give it a few manual winds to get it up and running again. One issue we came across was with the strap closure. Firstly, to adjust to your wrist size you need to use a small screw driver (not included) in order to
slide the clasp into the appropriate position, this took a couple of attempts. The other thing about the closure clasp was that the clip kept popping open and I would worry that after a few months this would progress to the entire clasp coming loose with the possibility of it falling off, it seems strange that such an expensive piece would have such a basic design flaw. We found the Caliper Timepiece View A10 a beautiful watch, simple but elegant and innovative in its clever self-charging way, if you prefer style over fashion and function over flash this could be the ideal watch for you. RRP $375
AeroBed Ultra Divan
G A D G E T H E A D
When I was young, we would all go out clubbing and crash at the nearest person’s house, most of the time that would mean about 12 of us crammed into a one bedroom flat, I could easily get a full 8hours sleep on the kitchen floor with nothing but a coat for a duvet. Those days are sadly long gone, I can’t even sleep on my own sofa without getting up in the morning with a bad back, now I am at that weird age where half my friends are married whilst the other half still like to drink like it’s going out of fashion, this combination results in a rather steady stream of unexpected guests crashing at ours at the weekend. With only one spare bedroom, airbeds have been a regular fall back for extra guests, often semi deflating during the night and providing an uncomfortable night’s sleep, the AeroBed Ultra Divan is a game changer in this regard. The Ultra Divan comes available in single, double or kingsize, in beige or the usual blue (blue being the airbed standard colour). This all in one inflatable bed stands
56cm off the ground, making it easier to get in and out of and raising you higher off the ground for a more natural sleeping experience, like you are used to in your own bed. An extra thick mattress means there a long way to go between bed and floor, having said that, after many uses, the AeroBed hasn’t deflated on us yet. In those moments where your friend or family member
casually drops hints by saying they would love to have another drink if only they didn’t have to drive you can pop this baby up before they even finish pretending to debate the matter. It takes just 3minutes to fully inflate with a remote control and deflates in 60 seconds, it comes with a removable, machine washable cotton valance and mattress cover and features an anti-microbial treatment, when not in use the whole thing rolls up into its own carry bag for compact storage. The AeroBed Ultra Divan is a practical and comfortable inflatable bed with the pop up convenience of an airbed whilst providing a sleep experience equal to that of your own bed. RRP £225
www.johnlewis.com/aerobed-ultra-divan-range-beige/p89038917 Pros Comfortable Washable sheet included Inflates by remote in 3mins Deflates in 60secs Available in single, double or king size 56cm of the floor
Hana Baby Wrap
G A D G E T H E A D
The early stages of parenthood aren’t easy, on top of the sleep deprivation, constant feeds and comforting there will be an instant doubling of house hold chores to try and squeeze in between naps and desperately needed showers. This all becomes 100 times harder if your little one can’t bare to be put down for more than 5 minutes. You never really appreciate what you do with both hands until one of them is constantly filled with your little bundle of joy, this is where baby wraps are becoming a life saver to many new parents, keeping your little ones secure against your body whilst allowing you to free up both hands for those everyday chores. Melissa, the Hana Baby Wrap product designer, soon discovered the joy of baby wraps when her 3week old wouldn’t allow her to be put down even for sleeping. She discovered that during the warmer months the wrap she was using was simply too hot to wear, so she
decided to create her own. The idea behind the Hana Wrap was to not only remain cool and comfortable in warmer conditions but to also use a good fabric that’s friendly for baby and the planet. The Hana Baby Wrap is made from a bamboo fabric with added organic cotton and just
a touch of elastane for a bit of stretch. Bamboo grows incredibly quickly, doesn’t require pesticides or fertilizers to grow (only needing rain water) making bamboo one of the most sustainable fabrics around. Bamboo fabric is also thermos regulating and more breathable than cotton keeping you warm on colder days and cooler and dryer on hotter days, on top of all that the Hana Baby Wrap feels silky soft against your skin. The wrap provides full head and neck support, helps correct hip development without putting pressure to baby’s spine or pelvis and
http://www.hanababy.co.uk/ Pros Organic sustainable bamboo fabric Naturally anti-bacterial and hypoallergenic Acts as a UV filter Breathable, helps regulate temperature Comfortable Precise fit without the need of buckles or straps Evenly distributes weight 6 colours available
distributes baby’s weight evenly over both shoulders and back to reduce pressure points and back pain, it is suitable from birth up to 12.5 Kg. The Hana Baby Wrap is super comfortable whether you are wearing it around the house or out and about, like any wrap it takes a little bit of practice to get used to putting on but once you get the hang of it you won’t look back and knowing you are doing your bit for the planet is always a bonus. The wrap comes in 2 blends: Bamboo - organic cotton - elastane: RRP £41.99 (shorty) - £43.99 (regular size). Available in 6 colours Bamboo - conventional cotton elastane: RRP: £35.99, available in 5 colours
Ergobaby Four Position 360 Baby Carrier and Infant Insert G A D G E T H E A D
Back in 2002 when Ergobaby founder Karin Foster couldn’t find a baby carrier that satisfied she decided to design one that was both comfortable and ergonomic, thus the Ergobaby was born. We got our hands on the Ergobaby Four Position 360 baby carrier in the Sophia La Girafe-Festival design, there are 12 designs to choose from in total. If you have kid’s chances are you will know about Sophia La Girafe, if you don’t then it’s a slightly creepy looking giraffe toy with black soulless eyes that seems to have been around for along as babies have. This design has a detachable tether to attach the chewable creature at a convenient height for little hands, we also received the Easy Snug Infant Insert
so the baby carrier can be used for newborns (7-12lbs) and used up until about 6months. The carriers design is flawless, to stop the little one getting too hot the Infant Insert is designed so that the neck and head is supported enough without the extra bulk whilst the fan shaped design ensures airflow, keeping baby cool and content. The padded back panel supports the baby’s natural curved spine whilst the optional removable pillow can be adjusted for optimal height and ergonomic
seated position, there are no nasty chemicals here with 100% cotton and its even machine washable. The cushioned thigh support promotes the optimal hip positioning by keeping the knees above the hips and the whole thing securely attaches to the carrier making it easy to load and unload baby without the insert moving about. As the name suggest the baby carrier can be used in four ergonomic wearing positions front-inward, frontoutward, hip and back carrying options are all available. Additionally, there’s an adjustable back panel that can be rolled down and secured to provide
extra neck and back support when needed, this feature is especially useful when baby is sleeping to stop their head bouncing about. The bucket seat keeps baby ergonomically positioned whatever position they are in, for the wearers comfort there is an extralarge waistband like the kind you would find on a hiking backpack this, along with the padded shoulder straps, help distribute the weight evenly and provides a comfortable and secure fit for the user. The Ergobaby 360 is super comfortable for both baby and carrier, with beautiful designs to choose from this baby carrier is impeccably made and will provide you with years of versatile use. ÂŁ134.90
http://bit.ly/2mp6dIr Pros 4 positions Large waist band Easily adjustable Comfortable for both baby and wearer Detachable toy tether Sleeping hood Extendable back panel Structured bucket seat 16 designs available
Foreo ISSA Toothbrush and ISSA Hybrid Brush Head
G A D G E T H E A D
By using a combination of Sonic Pulse Technology and a unique silicone brush head to help gently clean your teeth and gums, the ISSA toothbrush by Foreo aims to provide a revolutionary way of cleaning your teeth. Regular manual tooth brushes are normally made from a stiff, hard plastic with standard plastic bristles, the special thing about the ISSA is that it is made from silicone and has a PBT polymer brush, which is longer and more contoured then anything we have seen before. Every ISSA sonic toothbrush comes with a 2-Year Limited Warranty, a 10Year Quality Guarantee and comes available in 4 colours Mint, Cobalt Blue, Cool Black and
Lavender. The ISSAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Sonic Pulse Technology produces 11,000 highintensity pulsations per minute, breaking up and removing plaquefurther preventing tartar build-up and stains. The silicone bristles comfortably massage the gums and stop over brushing which can cause gum recession and damage to tooth enamel. I really liked the sleek design of the ISSA and the large brush head feels like your entire mouth is getting a thorough
clean, there is a timer to ensure you get your full 2 minutes of cleaning and its non-porous silicone resists bacteria build up and carries up to 10,000x less bacteria than toothbrushes with bristles. 1hour of charge will give you a whopping 365 uses worth of cleaning, making it a great travel companion, it also comes with a good quality leather travel case. The ISSA is completely waterproof so you can use it in the bath or shower and has 8 speeds to choose from, we were also sent the ISSA Hybrid brush head which looks more like the brush heads we are used too, personally I preferred
this brush head as it has a little more resistance to it and felt like it was giving my teeth a good scrub. One major drawback for me was the material, although its soft and naturally bacterial resistant it appears to be a magnet for fluff and dust, which isn’t ideal when you own two cats who seem to shed hair like they are allergic to it. I do like the ISSA but the one thing that would stop me from swapping it with my regular electric toothbrush is that the brush head doesn’t swivel and my dentist told me that twisting heads are better than just vibrating heads so until ISSA starts spinning I will stick with my old toothbrush. RRP £149
https://www.foreo.com/issa Pros Sleek design 1hour charge last 365 cleans Ideal for traveling 11,000 high-intensity pulsations per minute Flexible and soft ideal for sensitive gums Large brush head
Cons Attracts dust (and cat hair) Only vibrates doesn’t rotate
G A D G E T H E A D
Fitbit Charge 2 More people now than ever are turning to heart rate monitors to make sure they get the most out of their workouts, the Fitbit Charge 2 focuses on your heart rate to get a better idea of calories burnt and how to maximise your workout without the hassle of wearing a chest strap. Firstly, the aesthetics, the Charge 2 looks stylish with a clean simple design, the straps are interchangeable to so you can match them to your unique style and fasten with a good old-fashioned buckle, due to the heart rate
monitor it is quite thick and it stuck out quite far on my little wrists. The large LCD screen will clearly display your latest information with a tap and uses cute little icons for a quick reference, it also has a multi-sport tracking & connected GPS, sadly
no built in GPS, I still need to cram my phone into that ridiculously small pocket on my running tights. There are notifications for call, texts & calendar alerts and guided breathing sessions to help you take a moment of rest then thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all the original features we have come to expect from Fitbit like, sleep tracking, step counter, automatic exercise recognition and
reminders to move every hour (you will be surprised how often you don’t). The new Fitbit Cardio Fitness Level function is a cool little touch that helps you think of your achievements in a different way, often people put too much emphasis on what the scales say when they are trying to get healthier and that can be misleading and disheartening as muscle gain and water retention can often lead you to put on weight. The Cardio Fitness level gives you a cardio fitness score which is an estimation of your VO2 Max (the maximum amount of oxygen your body can use when you’re working out at your hardest) which is widely accepted as the gold standard measurement of cardiovascular fitness, this way you will see the direct effect of every smarter dinner choice or increased daily step goal. Without a chest strap the
Charge 2 doesn’t provide the most accurate heart rate results, not suitable for serious athletes but it is enough to provide the average jo with a good idea of their overall health. All things considered, the Fitbit
Charge 2 is everything we have come to love about the Fitbit products, it’s not perfect but it’s fun, informative and motivating, a great little addition to your fitness gear. RRP £139.99
http://fitbit.link/2n3iLGI Pros Heart rate monitor New Cardio Fitness Level Interchangeable straps Automatically recognises exercise Large LCD display Guided breathing sessions Hourly movement reminders 5day battery life
Cons Only water resistant not waterproof unlike Fitbit Flex 2 (doesn’t track swimming) Bulky on smaller wrists Readings aren’t 100% accurate
G A D G E T H E A D
Kymera Magic Wand For the last few weeks, I have been dazzling friends with the Kymera Magic Wand, a very cool gadget from The Wand Company. The Wand is designed to be used as a universal remote, where with a flick of the wrist and an ‘Expelliarmus’ you can turn devices on and off, their volume up and down and change channels. Aimed at a very specific market, the wand is a suitable replacement for the basic remote control, and if you’re a fan of the Harry Potter Universe like me the novelty does not wear off. The Kymera Magic Wand is a very well manufactured piece of kit – it looks like it could actually be Harry’s wand, and arrives well packaged in a box that makes it look like it could have been purchased from Ollivander’s. The Wand
also arrives with an instruction manual explaining how to control and program the wand. There are 13 different wand actions you have to learn, and it took me about an hour to fully master them, but once I had I could program The
Kymera Wand to control difference devices around my house with ease. I confess I am a Harry Potter geek, as is my other half (I actually proposed to her at the Warner Brothers Studio) so the device has taken pride of place in my living room. Whenever a guest comes over I keep finding myself pulling it out of the box to show off some more! RRP £49.99
http://www.thewandcompany.com/kymera-wand/ Pros Well Made Fun
iFavine iSommelier Pro With headquarters based in Bordeaux, iFavine has specialised in creating dedicated tools and services to reinvent the experience and pleasure of wine tasting, adding a modern twist.
G A D G E T H E A D
As the name suggests, the iSommelier Pro is a robotic version of that guy in the restaurant that pours you a little of your wine for you to taste before you throw it down your neck and flip the glass upside down on your head like a champion (this is why we cannot go to nice places). Joking aside, this is a modern bit of kit for wine connoisseurs, it works by using highly concentrated and purified oxygen that comes in to contact with the full body of the wine more evenly, making the aeration more efficient. This process would normally take a long time, leaving
hours before you can decant the wine, using the iSommelier significantly speeds up the process allowing you to decant the wine within minutes. The iSommelier Pro filters the surrounding air and removes any moisture, dust and odours, isolating oxygen from nitrogen and carbon dioxide. It then aerates the wine with a constant flow which removes any issue of decanting the wine at locations with different air pressures, this system guarantees that the wine will be served with a consistency not dependent on location. The patented glass decanter has been designed to ensure
the concentrated oxygen flows upwards into a tube, it then reverses the direction downwards and back out into every millilitre of the wine rather than just the surface. The process rounds out the tannins and enhances aroma, providing a smooth mouthfeel that allows you to enjoy the wine at its best. The iSommelier Pro is tastefully designed with a clean, understated finish. Setup is simple and the device is easy to use, the touch screen panel allows you to set specific decanting times for your favourite wines. The touch buttons also allow you to start, pause and stop the control of your decanting progress. It wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be a modern product if it didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t work alongside an app so you wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t
be surprised to find that an iFavine App can be downloaded and used as a smart control for the device, the app will also connect you to the iFavine Network. The Network is an international and professional platform that centralises all the technical data concerning vineyards, their wines for several vintages and recommendations for serving and tasting. For wine enthusiasts, you can receive information directly from winemakers, receive recommendations on serving and tasting and allowing you to share your tasting experience through the app. The iFavine iSommelier Pro is a brilliant piece of kit that works magic, allowing you to dramatically cut the decanter time and get on with the important stuff, enjoying you wine, a must have for wine enthusiasts. RRP ÂŁ1299.99
http://bit.ly/2m3mq2d Pros Reduces decanter time from hours to minutes Uses purified oxygen Decanter oxygenates the entire volume of wine at once Easy to operate Touch screen Clean design iFavine Network
G A D G E T H E A D
Eno DoubleNest LED Hammock ENO has developed a reputation of producing a variety of high quality, specialised hammocks. The company continue to supply some of the best hammocks and accessories to adventure seeking people across the world. With a huge variety of sizes, styles, colours and accessories you can be sure to find the perfect setup for your trip whilst leaving a minimal environmental impact; as they require zero ground-levelling, trenching or staking. To start with, it is important to understand the DoubleNest LED is just the hammock, you will need to buy the straps separately to set it up and any fly sheet you may want to use alongside it. The DoubleNest LED adds a little bit of fun to the hammock, with
festive integrated light strings which run along the opening of the hammock and feature bright, dim and strobe functions. The DoubleNest LED is lightweight, at only 24oz, without the 3 AAA batteries (not included) it requires to get the lights working, with a capacity of 400lb
and as the name (and capacity) suggests it is suitable for two people and the heavy duty triple stitched seams will ensure a secure resting space. The DoubleNest LED hammock is easy to assemble, it took us about 5 minutes, find two trees 10-12 meters apart, attach some straps 5 feet above the ground, attach the strong aluminium wiregate carabiners to the straps, adjust for comfort and voila now just sit, relax and take in your surroundings. When you are done with the hammock
https://www.eaglesnestoutfittersinc.com/product/DOUBLENESTLED.html Pros Quick and easy to assemble
Cons Lights soon lose their novelty
Compression stuff sack Strong Durable Big enough for two people Lightweight
simply unhook it and cram it all away into the integrated compression stuff sack for compact storage. The DoubleNest LED is made from a breathable, quick drying, 70D High Tenacity Nylon Taffeta and is best suited for out of the car camping, festivals or more simply, soaking up garden rays.
On a personal note, I would have liked to have seen more variety in the colour choice as there are only two options to choose from whereas there are over 40 different colours in the regular DoubleNest Hammock. I’m not sure the lights are worth the extra £20 as I could peg on some battery fairy lights for a similar effect for less than £10. Having said that, the DoubleNest LED hammock is a strong and compact little hammock, great for lazing about, therefore we would recommend saving yourself £20 and getting the original ENO DoubleNest Hammock for fun in the sun this summer. RRP $99.95
G A D G E T H E A D
Skull Tidy by Suck UK Suck UK are well known for their, let’s say, ‘outthere’ products, from gimmicky gadgets like drumstick pencils and giant novelty desk tidies to innovative items such as the Jack Rabbit duel headphone jack, or the alarm clock the runs away and forces you physically get up to turn it off. The Skull Tidy lands itself in the former category rather than the latter, but that’s not to say it doesn’t have its uses. As a child, I was swept up with the rest of my classmates in the second wave of the UK’s emo period (although I would of argue fiercely against the label at the time). This means I still have a natural navigation towards anything macabre or creepy. The
Skull Tidy is realistic and life sized (I tried measuring it against my own head and it seemed about right), made from Polyresin and weighing a whopping 1.093kg. It really could be mistaken for the real thing, if it didn’t have such perfect teeth. The tidy is available in black or white the black looks less creepy, as the white is beautifully painted
to look more realistic. The brains have been cleanly scooped out (like a few friends of mine), leaving you a large space to organise your things. This is an expensive, quirky item, but it does feel well made and arrives nicely packaged. The Skull Tidy will definitely be a talking point wherever you place it. We named ours Jack (of course) and he looks after my running glasses (they give him a fresh edge) as well as my sports watch, mp3 and small change - a brilliantly weird product that you never knew you needed. RRP £45
http://www.suck.uk.com/products/stuff-tidy/ Pros Solid Polyresin construction Realistic look Heavy
Cons Creeps out the parents (this could also be a pro) Expensive
G A D G E T H E A D
Triwa Gleam Klinga Watch Triwa was founded in 2007 by four friends with an idea to transform the industry of watches through contemporary design, modern distribution and creative marketing. Their studio is based in central Stockholm, housing a team of 30 people and distributing watches, bracelets and sunglasses to 1,200 retailers in 25 markets. The team says they don’t design anything that they wouldn’t want to wear themselves, and I must say they have stylish and timeless (pardon the pun) taste. The Triwa Gleam Klinga is made from polished stainless steel that contrasts beautifully with its gold and brown, organically tanned Swedish leather. The watch face
is medium sized at 38mm, and is more classy than flashy. The dial is a Sunray Silver colour, which looks like a matt off-white, with gold number indicators and hands. The ‘9’ and ‘3’ are a bold black, and the day and time are visible in a small, discrete box. The strap is made from 20mm organic vegetabletanned leather from
Tärnsjö Tannery and fastens with a stainlesssteel buckle. The Triwa Gleam Klinga comes beautifully packaged, making it an ideal gift. The watch is also surprisingly light without looking, you could be forgiven for thinking you aren’t wearing a watch at all. The Gleam Klinga embodies the ideals that Triwa set out to uphold; stylish, sleek and elegant, this watch is a classic time piece that will compliment a variety of wardrobes. RRP £149
https://www.triwa.com/gb/watches/family/klinga/gleam-klinga/ Pro Stylish design Comfortable Quiet Real leather wrist strap
Root7 Himalayan Salt Shots
G A D G E T H E A D
Ever heard of the expression “As useful as a chocolate teapot”? We all know chocolate melts when it gets warm, sort of like how we all know salt dissolves in liquid, so imagine my surprise when I was handed some shot “glasses” to review that were made from salt! However, I was happy to test these out just for the excuse to drink tequila in the name of research (it’s a hard job at times...) My first impression was that if you didn’t like tequila, you could always keep these glasses in the box and use them as a doorstop - at 1.5kg, these things are heavy. The Himalayan Salt Shots come nicely packaged in a magnetically closing box. They are accompanied with a solid Acacia wood serving board (trust me, you will need this) which adds to the overall stylish display of this 4-piece set. The Salt Shots themselves are also pretty; the marbled pink/orange effect is naturally occurring in the salt,
which is mined directly from the Himalayan mountains. The idea behind the glasses is that they will add a subtle salty flavour to your tequila shot without you having to lick the back of your hand every time you want hit a slammer like some crazy drunken cat. The Salt Shots are very delicate - you can’t leave liquid in them for a long time or put them in the dishwasher (see before-mentioned dissolving issue), and they need to be rinsed and patted dry after each use to help preserve them. Even if
you are super careful with them, though, they still won’t last forever - in fact, one of the glasses was already leaking after its second use and another one sprung a leak after use five. This is where the serving board comes in handy for protecting your table. I was left underwhelmed by the Root7 Himalayan Salt Shots. I mean, they look pretty, but I wouldn’t want a cup made from sugar just to save me the trouble of adding sugar to my coffee. If you would rather get a little messy rather than getting your table, yourself and your chairs messy, I would recommend sticking with the old-fashioned method of a glass and a salt shaker, and give the Salt Shots a miss. RRP £25
https://www.root7.com/himalayan-salt-shots Pros Attractive
Cons Leak High maintenance Expensive
LIFX LED Lightbulb G A D G E T H E A D
I must admit, I am a complete sucker for smart bulbs, and it was LIFX that first won me over to this time last year. This time we are testing out the 3rd generation of LIFX smart bulb. For whatever reason, I had a real hassle setting this smart bulb up - I downloaded the app with no problem, but when I went to add the lightbulb the device simple wouldn’t finalise the connection. I went down the advised traditional route of turning my phone, the light and then finally the router off and on again, and for unknown reasons this was enough to get it working. From here you can use the app to simply turn the light on and off, but much more entertaining are the
16 million colours and 1000 shades of warm to cool whites you can play with. The LIFX will kick out up to 1100 lumens (that’s the equivalent to about 75W) It can be dimmed at a slide of a finger and it only takes 11W to get this bright, which earns the LIFX an A+ energy rating and should save you money in theory. Compatible with Android, iOS and Windows 10, it will also connect with Nest, Amazon Echo and Smart Things Motion Detector to give you even more control over
you home. The app also works with OK Google, but the battle I had with it just resulted in my phone insisting on playing The Kinks’ When I Turn Off the Living Room Light - not worth the hassle. There are two big dials to play with, controlling the colour and the white light, or there are also themes to choose from like Peaceful, Mellow, Powerful or Halloween (basically just green). There are even special effects to play with, such as a flickering candle or strobe lighting. Where the LIFX bulbs really come into their own is when you have kitted out the
whole house with them, as you can really play with the atmospheres of each room, but at about £48 a pop it could be an expensive investment. I still stand by the LIFX as a great product: my living room light currently switches on automatically when the sun begins to set, and the light remains cool and bright until 10pm, when it changes to warmer red tones to help my brain wind down ready for bed (I even put it on green when we eat, as it’s meant to encourage the scoffing of vegetables!) The LIFX is energy efficient, versatile and fun a great little gadget that can create a big difference to any room. RRP $59.99
http://www.lifx.com/products/lifx Pros Energy efficient A+ 1100 lumens 16 million colours and 1000 whites Doesn’t require a hub Compatible with a variety on smart home tech Themes and effects Personalise schedules
Cons Expensive
Musto Snug Primaloft Jacket
G A D G E T H E A D
When you want to be active during cold weather, it can be difficult to find the perfect balance between keeping warm without big bulky clothing restricting your movements. The Musto Snug could be the perfect answer to this problem. The Snug is made from recycled materials to help you do your bit for the environment;
the outer is made from a 100% nylon, ripstop fabric with a down proof coating, and
the inside features a 100% nylon lining and is filled with that 133 g/m² PrimaLoft Black Eco Insulation. This super lightweight down was first designed for the US military - it is permanently water resistant and
retains its insulating properties and light weight even when wet. It has a thermal efficiency equal to goose down and is ultrabreathable, keeping you ventilated throughout your adventure. The Snug has a DWR treatment (Durable Water Repellent) that is applied to all Musto waterproofs. The treatment actively repels rain water and causes it to bead on the jackets and run off rather than soaking into the material. As well as being waterproof, the Musto Snug is wind resistant, with tight Lycra bound hems and cuffs to stop any drafts sneaking in. There is also a fabric cover over the top of the zip for comfort, stopping the cold metal touching your skin and building up condensation. The Snug features two zipped side pockets with long pulls that can be easily grabbed with a gloved hand, and the high collar offers
added protection against the elements without restricting your vision. The Snug’s name is quite appropriate, to the point that I think the line runs on the small side, so bare that in mind when ordering your size. I found that the jacket rides up a little, but again, this could be due to it being too small. My other complaint is that I don’t like the feel of
http://bit.ly/2nabdPk Pros Lightweight Waterproof Flexible Wind-resistant
Cons Runs small No hood
the material - it feels quite plastic and cheap to touch, although in actuality it performs very well, so don’t let this put you off. The Snug is a great jacket if you are looking for something ultralightweight as well as ultra-protective to allow you to get on with your outdoor adventures. RRP £150
Lezyne Deca 1500 XXL G A D G E T H E A D
The Lezyne Deca 1500 XXL claims to be the finest high-performance LED cycling light out there, designed for all forms of serious night riding. First things first, I need to explain that this isn’t a light to help you be see when you are cycling from work in the winter - this is a light that allows you to see the road and surrounding area whilst night riding. Anyone who lives in the countryside can appreciate how dangerous it can be riding in the dark; one pot hole or rock on the road can send you flying into the undergrowth when travelling at speed. The Deca is a compact cycling light, not to be compared to those tiny flashing lights that let you be seen in the dark. Instead, think of it like a high-powered torch strapped to your bicycle. It comes available in grey or black, and produces a nice wide-angled light around your bike. It is made from durable and heat-dissipating CNC machined aluminium, and uses ultra-high output LEDs that deliver up
to 1,500 lumens. With six different levels of brightness to choose from, you can make sure you get the most out of your battery life. The optional Overdrive Race Mode toggles between Overdrive and Economy modes only, and the Deca has a memory function that returns to selected mode after turning off. The battery takes six hours to fully charge and will last you between 1hour 45mins to 35 hours depending on the setting. The
down side to this light is the weight: at 247g with the standard rubber strap, the weight could be a dealbreaker for cyclists who account for every single gram. There are other lights in the Lezyne range which way a lot less but you would be opting for this model if you were basing your judgement on output vs runtime. Overall, the Deca 1500 XXL is a high performing light. I would like to see a longer battery life when it is used on the higher settings, the mount doesn’t give you a lot of adjustment to play with and it is on the heavy side, but it is still a powerful light ideal for keeping you safe on those night rides. RRP £139.99
http://bit.ly/2m3yTmD Pros 1500 lumens Six modes to choose from Removable rechargeable battery Solid construction Weather proof Overdrive Race mode Side visibility
Cons Heavy Short battery life on highest mode Limited adjustment on mount
Ruit R25 backpack G A D G E T H E A D
Following on from our look at the R10, we are now going to look at its big brother: the R25 has all the same features as the R10, but on a larger scale. As the name suggests, it is a 25L bag. The only thing missing that the R10 has is the pen holders and little pockets down the inside of the main compartment this has been replaced with two cool bottle holders on the outside, which are the first water bottle pockets I have seen that sink into the bag rather than stick out. This keeps the profile of the bag tidy, as well as securing the bottles and keeping them out of the way. There is also a secure strap inside the main compartment to help hold everything in place when you open it, but other than this, the R25 is the same as the R10. Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s take the opportunity to take in some of the details of the Ruit bags: they are handmade on sewing machines from waterproof, durable and anti-abrasive cordura, one of the strongest and most durable woven nylons
available. The base is a fully waterproof, specialist thermoplastic polyurethane - I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t really like the look of this too much, but it serves an important purpose and allows you to put your bag down in any weather, on any floor, and can wiped
clean if necessary. The Cordura is foam lined throughout to provide extra protection to your belongings and ensure your comfort whilst wearing the bag. All that padding comes at a cost, however; these bags get very warm on your back, especially if you have a long way to walk to the train station or bus stop, and if you take this anywhere near your bike you should be prepared for sweat patches on your back. The adjustable sternum straps can be slid up and down the shoulder straps to get a perfect fit for your body shape - this is a smart feature that I havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t seen on a lot of bags
before. Apparently, these straps can be removed and “easily reattached”, but blow me if I have worked out how - they can just stay there for now. The last thing I want to mention is RiutBands: little loops of reflective material that are reversible for some added colour. These bands come across as a health and safety afterthought and look a bit naff - I would rather they disappeared and were replaced with reflective detailing sown onto the actual bag. For all my nit-picking, I still like these bags: Riut have created some thoughtful features to help keep your belongings safe and make your commute as stress free as possible. RRP £129.99
https://www.riut.co.uk Pros Lightweight 25L Specific laptop compartment Padded shoulder straps and back Fully waterproof bottom All zips hidden from view Built in bottle pocket Adjustable height sternum strap
Cons Gets hot after long periods of time RuitBands look tatty and naff Removeable sternum strap difficult to remove
G A D G E T H E A D
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